From Halter Tops to Haute Couture: The Fashion Evolution of Sofía Vergara

In the late 1990s, Colombian fashion model and television presenter Sofía Vergara burst into the consciousness of Americans with a series of public appearances that flattered her impressive figure and highlighted a one-of-a-kind charisma. Her humor and beauty catapulted her from being a guest star on sitcoms and playing bit parts in low-budget films to starring in one of prime time’s most popular television ensembles. Throughout it all, Vergara has carefully cultivated her personal style, drawing thousands of flashbulbs along the way. Take a tour through her campaign to conquer America, one press line at a time.

Vergara made her name in America to Spanish-speaking audiences as an on-air host for Univision. Her first public appearances here shared a common theme: flashy top, a bit of bared midriff, and curve-hugging pants. Here, in 1999, she steps out in Los Angeles, with beachy highlighted hair.

A brief 2005 relationship with Tom Cruise catapulted Vergara to whole new levels of fame in America—as did her role on the equally short-lived ABC show Hot Properties. Here she poses at the 2006 ALMA awards in a multi-textured black-and-navy floor-length gown with a vibrant red sash.

Once she learns a winning formula, Vergara tends to stick with it. She wore a pale-yellow, gold-embellished Carolina Herrera again for the 2010 Emmy Awards. She auctioned off this dress for the charity Clothes Off Our Backs.